Back home in Lima, Peru, Mazzetti took out a pair of foes to capture gold at the the IFMA 2016 Pan American championship. The Pan American championship was a four-day event featuring fighters from across South America, Mexico, Canada, and the United States.

“I won my first fight with a Mexican guy on points, and the second fight, I won because the doctor stopped the fight for a broken nose and I got the gold medal,” said Mazzetti.

Mazzetti made a spectacular debut at Lion Fight 32 at the Tropicana in Las Vegas back in October when he registered a devastating second-round knockout over Josh Shepard.

The young phenom, who recently signed a new multi-fight contract with Lion Fight, is expected back inside the ring in early 2017.

Mazzetti isn’t the only member of the Lion Fight stable to be in the running for prestigious awards.

Reigning women’s super bantamweight champion Iman Barlow, who will make the first defense of her title at Lion Fight 35 (more details coming soon), has been nominated as Sportswoman of the Year in her home town of Leicester, England. The annual awards are conducted by the Leicester Mercury newspaper.

“Pretty Killer” as she is known around the world, Barlow expects her second impression will be an even better one than her inaugural showing under the Lion Fight banner. Barlow won the title at Lion Fight 31 with a one-sided decision over Jeri Sitzes at the Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut.

“I can’t wait to come back because it was such a great experience the last time,” said Barlow, who signed a multi-fight extension with Lion Fight following her title win.

“Sometimes you just have to do what you have to in order to win. I always try to put some cool moves in and entertain, but in 2017 I want stoppages.”

]]>Lion Fight 33 Resultshttp://www.lionfight.com/general-news/2016/11/lion-fight-33-results/
Sat, 19 Nov 2016 08:21:24 +0000http://www.lionfight.com/?p=17810‘Smokin’ Jo Nattawut retained his super welterweight world title and held firm on his grip as a two-division champion with a thoroughly dominating performance at Lion Fight 33 held Friday night at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut.

Only four weeks ago in Las Vegas, Nattawut became a two-division champion when he claimed the middleweight crown with a unanimous decision win over fellow Thai Malaipet Sasiprapa. Nattawut (60-6-2) was even more dominant in dispatching European rising star Hasan Toy (19-9) as he retained his super welterweight championship with a unanimous decision verdict live on AXS TV Fights in the United States as well as on Fight Network throughout Canada, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.

After an opening round that saw both fighters exchange strikes in the middle of the ring, Nattawut took full control of the bout as he continually crushed kicks into Toy’s body. By the time the third round ended, Toy’s ribcage was massively bruised and the Turk fighter was unable to fend off Nattawut’s repeated attacks. The one-sided assault continued as Nattawut landed kicks and knees to Toy’s midsection, and to put an exclamation point on the result, Nattawut crunched an elbow strike to Toy’s face with seconds to go in the final round.

All three judges scored the bout 50-45 for Nattawut, who left no doubt as to whom he wants to face next. For the second straight time during a successful post-fight interview, Nattawut put out a challenge to square off against the legend Yodsanklai Fairtex.

“He is the king. If I beat him, then I am the king,” said Nattawut of the former Lion Fight, WMC and Lumpinee Stadium champion.

“Everybody has a plan till I kick them,” added Nattawut of his performance against Toy. “I wanted to destroy the arm, the body, and get him tired. That was the plan.”

Eersel plows through Purdy to win super middleweight crown

Regian Eersel was the last man to beat Nattawut when he scored a highlight-reel fourth-round knockout in a non-title bout at Lion Fight 29. Eersel went from that thunderous debut to becoming a champion in his own right at Lion Fight 33 when he blitzed England’s Jake Purdy on his way to a devastatingly vicious outcome.

In the opening round, Eersel (44-4) hit Purdy with an uppercut-hook combination putting him on the mat, and while that was mistakenly not scored a knockdown, the Dutch fighter did score the knockdown moments later with a straight right. Purdy stepped out for the second round but found himself walking straight into a hornet’s nest. A perfectly placed uppercut put Purdy down again. He rose off the canvas only to be felled by yet another cracking uppercut. The fight was surprisingly allowed to continue by the referee but only for a few more seconds until Eersel blasted Purdy (27-7-1) with a knee that splayed him out face-first on the deck. Eersel’s 18th career knockout finish came at 2:41 of Round 2.

“I prepared myself for a hard fight against a very good opponent. I have a lot of respect for him but you know I go for the quick knockout so I did,” said the 23-year-old new champion, who is originally from Suriname.

“I jumped with the right knee … and there he goes. I am dangerous when my opponent has his back against the ropes.”

Shevchenko breezes past Wijmans to retain lightweight belt

The other reigning champion to see action was women’s lightweight title-holder Antonina “The Panther” Shevchenko as she took on Dutch challenger Ilona “The Iron Queen” Wijmans. Shevchenko (38-1) cruised through her first title defense at Lion Fight 31, and had only a little more resistance to overcome this time out as her technical attack of punches and kicks outclassed the bull-rush approach of Wijmans (45-6-1).

Shevchenko, who fights out of Lima, Peru, dominated for the full fight and won with a clear-cut unanimous decision, earning 50-45 nods from all three judges.

Prior to the title bouts, veteran mixed martial arts competitor Chip Moraza-Pollard ventured into Muay Thai action for just the second time in his career yet he put forth a masterful performance to take out well-seasoned combatant Brett Hlavacek.

Moraza-Pollard (2-0) cracked Hlavacek with a left hook in the second round and then proceeded to further damage his opponent with punch combos and leg kicks. The speed and precision displayed by Moraza-Pollard was far too much for Hlavacek (17-4) to overcome, and the Plymouth, Massachusetts, competitor wrapped up the fight with a stiff elbow to the jaw with 45 seconds to go. Shockingly, the ringside judges posted a split-decision outcome although Moraza-Pollard was able to come away victorious (50-45, 47-48, 48-47).

“I have seen thousands of Muay Thai fights over the last 20 years and I would say that was the best performance I have seen from a guy with one fight in this sport,” noted AXS TV Fights commentator Michael “The Voice” Schiavello. “He’s fighting like a guy with 50 or 60 fights under his belt. I am blown away by how good Moraza-Pollard’s Muay Thai is.”

The main card opened with Philadelphia’s PJ Sweda (2-1) squeaking out a split-decision win over Boston’s Andres Jeudi (3-1) in a middleweight bout, and Providence, Rhode Island, product Yeison Berdugo (2-2) putting enough flurries together to notch a unanimous decision verdict over New Jersey’s Anthony Craparo (0-1).

Lion Fight wrapped up its 2016 schedule with Lion Fight 33. The promotion will return in February 2017 with details on the fight card and host location to come very soon.

]]>Weigh in results for Lion Fight 33 at Foxwoodshttp://www.lionfight.com/general-news/2016/11/weigh-in-results-for-lion-fight-33-at-foxwoods/
Thu, 17 Nov 2016 20:53:41 +0000http://www.lionfight.com/?p=17802All three title bouts were locked in after the official weigh-in for Lion Fight Promotions’ Lion Fight 33 card which takes place on Friday night at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut.

The six-bout main card airs live on AXS TV Fights in the United States plus Fight Network throughout Canada, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East beginning at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT.

Defending champions “Smokin” Jo Nattawut and Antonina “The Panther” Shevchenko were on the money for the respective defenses.

Nattawut, who became the Lion Fight’s first two-division male champion at Lion Fight 32 when he claimed the middleweight crown, puts his super welterweight belt on the line against Hasan “The Master” Toy. Nattawut, who fights out of Atlanta, Georgia, weighed in at 154 lbs., while Toy, who is originally from Turkey and now fights out of Holland, stepped off the scale at 153 lbs.

Shevchenko, who defended her belt successfully at Lion Fight 31, returns to Foxwoods for her second defense, and stood atop the scale at 134 lbs. Her challenger, Holland’s Ilona “The Ice Queen” Wijmans, hit the mark at 133 lbs.

The third title bout on the card will see a new super middleweight champion crowned as Suriname native Regian “The Immortal” Eersel battles English sensation Jake Purdy.

Both Eersel, who scored a fourth-round knockout of Nattawut in a non-title matchup at Lion Fight 29, and Purdy, the No. 1-ranked fighter in the United Kingdom, weighed in at 164 lbs.

Weigh-in results for the other three main-card bouts of Lion Fight 33 were:

Cruiserweight

Chip Moraza-Pollard – 184 lbs.

Brett Hlavacke – 186 lbs.

Lightweight

Anthony Craparo – 134 lbs.

Yeison Berdugo – 132 lbs.

Middleweight

Andres Jeudi – 160 lbs.

PJ Sweda – 161 lbs.

Tickets for Lion Fight 33 are on sale now at www.foxwoods.com or by calling 800-200-2882 or by visiting the Foxwoods Box Offices.
Please visit LIONFIGHT.com for news, information and event updates, and follow on Twitter @LIONFIGHT and @LionFightOfficial on Instagram.

]]> MARIO BARTH’S KING INK PLAYS HOST TO LION FIGHT 33 WEIGH-INhttp://www.lionfight.com/general-news/2016/11/mario-barths-king-ink-plays-host-to-lion-fight-33-weigh-in/
Wed, 16 Nov 2016 14:33:57 +0000http://www.lionfight.com/?p=17797Lion Fight Promotions is very excited to announce that the official weigh-in for Lion Fight 33 will take place at Mario Barth’s King Ink inside the Fox Tower at Foxwoods Resort Casino.

The weigh-in will be held at 3 p.m. ET on Thursday, November 17th with all fighters expected on the scale to formalize their bouts. All fans are invited to attend the weigh-in. For those who can’t be there in person, the weigh-ins will be shown live on the AXS TV Fights Facebook page.

“We had such a spectacular location for the Lion Fight 32 weigh-in on a rooftop overlooking the Las Vegas Strip that we had to keep that kind of stylish presentation coming,” said Lion Fight President & CEO Scott Kent.

“Mario Barth has been a terrific sponsor and supporter of Lion Fight so it was such a perfect fit to have the Lion Fight 33 weigh-in right in King Ink which is an amazing shop. Come for the weigh-in, and stay to get a first-class tattoo done.”

Lion Fight 33 will then go down on Friday, November 18th at Foxwoods with the main card launching at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT live on AXS TV Fights in the United States and Fight Network throughout Canada, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.

Wrapping up the highly successful 2016 schedule, Lion Fight 33 features a tripleheader of title fights with the marquee topped by Thai superstar “Smokin” Jo Nattawut’s defense of his super welterweight belt against Hasan Toy. The co-main event features women’s lightweight champ Antonina “The Panther” Shevchenko putting her belt on the line against Holland’s Ilona Wijmans, and the third title bout will determine a new super middleweight champ as Suriname striking sensation Regian “The Immortal” Eersel battling England’s rising star Jake Purdy.

]]>SHEVCHENKO & MAZZETTI SIGN NEW MULTI-BOUT CONTRACTS WITH LION FIGHThttp://www.lionfight.com/general-news/2016/11/shevchenko-mazzetti-sign-new-multi-bout-contracts-with-lion-fight/
Mon, 14 Nov 2016 15:00:24 +0000http://www.lionfight.com/?p=17791Two of Lion Fight’s most exciting competitors have agreed to new multi-fight deals that will see them showcasing their talents under the promotion’s banner well into the future.

“Antonina and Gabriel represent the present and the future of Lion Fight,” said Scott Kent, President & CEO of Lion Fight Promotions.

“Their exceptional talent has made them fan favorites and it is matched only by their passion, commitment and desire to be the best in the world. That kind of drive and determination is what we are looking for in all of the athletes that are part of the Lion Fight brand.”

Shevchenko put forth a dominating effort against Paola Cappucci at Lion Fight 31 to keep hold of her belt which she will defend for a second time on Friday, Nov. 18 at Lion Fight 33 against Holland’s Ilona Wijmans.

“I am excited to sign a multi-fight deal with Lion Fight. It’s an opportunity to be a part of something special that Scott is creating and I want to make history on this journey to help grow Muay Thai world-wide,” said Shevchenko, whose fight with Wijmans occupies the co-main event spot of Lion Fight 31 live on AXS TV Fights and Fight Network from Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut.

“I am looking forward to getting back in the ring again for my second Lion Fight title defense at the Foxwoods Casino. I am in final preparation under the direction of my coach Pavel Fedotov, who has an extraordinary ability and long history of producing world champions.

“I feel great as we go through the special regimen of training that Pavel has created. His method has produced over 30 world championship titles. I will be facing Ilona who is also a world champion. She wants to take my belt away, but I won’t give her the opportunity.”

Mazzetti, who like Shevchenko, fights out of Peru, blazed his way to victory in his organizational debut at Lion Fight 32 in Las Vegas. A budding superstar at just 19 years old, Mazzetti flashed powerful and precise striking as he notched a second-round knockout over Josh Shepard.

The spectacular showing by Mazzetti was touted by AXS TV Fights commentator Michael Schiavello as “the most impressive debut in Lion Fight history.”

“I am very happy because this is a big step in my career. I will always give my best in every fight,” said Mazzetti of his new deal.

Mazzetti is expected to be featured on one of Lion Fight’s first live events of 2017.

Nattawut became Lion Fight’s first man to become a two-division champion when just last month he captured the middleweight title at Lion Fight 32 in Las Vegas with a unanimous decision victory over Malaipet Sasiprapa. Originally from Thailand and now fighting out of Atlanta, Georgia, Nattawut defends his super welterweight bout for the second time this year after earning at decision win over Cedric Manhoef at Lion Fight 28.

Toy, who was born in Turkey and now lives in Holland, is just 22 years of age, but has already become a rising star by winning European and WFL welterweight and super welterweight belts.

Eersel, who is originally from Suriname but now lives in Holland, made a highlight-reel splash in his Lion Fight debut when he scored a fourth-round head-kick knockout of Jo Nattawut in a middleweight non-title fight at Lion Fight 29. He has since earned knockout wins in Turkey and China.

England’s Purdy has gone undefeated in his home country over the past four years which has led him to the Yokkao title as well as the S1 Tournament championship, and the Golden Belt European title.

Brett Hlavacek (16-3) vs. Chip Moraza-Pollard (1-0) – cruiserweight

Hlavacek returned to the Lion Fight mix at the organization’s last event at Foxwoods and registered a unanimous decision victory. A recent training camp in Thailand has ignited the New York City native, who also teaches Muay Thai with his client list including WWE superstar Shane McMahon.

Moraza-Pollard may lack experience in Muay Thai but he has an extensive background in mixed martial arts, and the full-time move to Muay Thai will allow him to use his prominent striking skills. Moraza-Pollard has previously competed on AXS TV Fights under the CES banner, and has fought for WSOF and Bellator.

Yeison Berdugo (1-2) vs. Anthony Craparo (Pro Debut) – lightweight

PJ Sweda (1-1) vs. Andres Jeudi (Pro Debut) – middleweight

]]>BUILDING OFF WIN KEY TO KEEPING BERDUGO’S SHINE ALIVEhttp://www.lionfight.com/general-news/2016/11/building-off-win-key-to-keeping-berdugos-shine-alive/
Wed, 09 Nov 2016 15:00:15 +0000http://www.lionfight.com/?p=17780Being an easy-going, free-spirited nomad, it’s not a surprise that a change in opponent didn’t ruffle any feathers as far as Yeison Berdugo was concerned.

But coming off a dramatic career-first victory, Berdugo was certainly feeling more confident about his upcoming fight no matter who he was going to face. Originally set for a rematch against Julio Pena at Lion Fight 33, Berdugo is now set to square off against Anthony Craparo on Friday, November 18th at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut. Their bout will launch the main card airing live on AXS TV Fights in the United States and on Fight Network throughout Canada, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.

With that first win racked up, Berdugo is finally feeling like he belongs under the banner of the preeminent Muay Thai organization and that he is ready to ascend the ranks after a rough start to his pro career.

“Point blank, no one is taking my shine,” touted Berdugo.

Berdugo went into Lion Fight 30 knowing full well it was a must-win situation. He went out and proved he was a self-appointed ‘new YayYoo’ by wounding Isaac Tijerina in the opening round and then finishing the job in the second with a crushing knockout punch. The win helped start to erase the disappointment of losing a thriller to Pena at Lion Fight 24 – a Fight of the Year candidate so there was some solace in that – and then falling to Bryce Lawrence at Lion Fight 28.

The next test is building off the victory at Lion Fight 30. In a substantial way, this is nearly a must-win scenario yet again.

“Lion Fight hasn’t seen anything yet,” Berdugo declared. “I never stop working hard. It’s just more motivation for myself and showing myself and Lion Fight that I belong here.”

Berdugo had been on a cycle of journeys during his past training regimens but now seems to have found the right fit which in turn has provided him with the stability that breeds success in the ring. His home base is Providence, Rhode Island, but he’s bounced around to different gyms prior to past fights. Thankfully, he’s found a home now with Sparta Muay Thai in Indiana and under the tutelage of Jamie Bradley – the first female coach to lead a male fighter into a main card encounter in Lion Fight.

“You can call me a Gypsy because I am never afraid of following my dreams. I always have been,” said Berdugo. “If you don’t believe in your dream, you will never be successful.

“I am like a vacuum. I see something, I try to do it. Nothing is hard if you train every day. I have different ideas from other people but I will always be me. I am my own motivation. No one has seen me at 100%, training with the right team and gym. Since I started with Lion Fight, I’ve never had a real camp but I have finally found one I really like.”

No matter who is standing in the opposing corner, Berdugo’s goal is to be a crowd pleaser and potential show stealer. It’s an opportunity he’s hoping to capitalize on at Lion Fight 33 as nothing sets the event off on the right note than a barnburner of an opening matchup.

“Like I’ve said before, I steal fans. I make sure I give everyone a good fight and I guess I have proven myself to AXS TV Fights as they always get big highlights out of me,” said Berdugo.

The Berdugo-Craparo clash is part of the Lion Fight 33 lineup that features a trio of title bouts, topped by Jo Nattawut defending his super welterweight belt against Hasan Toy. The co-main event has women’s lightweight champ Antonina Shevchenko facing challenger Ilona Wijmans, plus a battle for the vacant super middleweight title with Regian Eersel taking on Jake Purdy.

Tickets for Lion Fight 33 are on sale now at www.foxwoods.com or by calling 800-200-2882 or by visiting the Foxwoods Box Offices.

The Lion Fight 33 main card will air live on AXS TV Fights with a special start time of 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT. with commentary from renowned duo “The Voice” Michael Schiavello and UFC Hall of Famer Pat Miletich.

]]>NATTAWUT SET TO ‘SMOKE’ TITLE CHALLENGER AT LION FIGHT 33http://www.lionfight.com/general-news/2016/11/nattawut-set-to-smoke-title-challenger-at-lion-fight-33/
Mon, 07 Nov 2016 15:00:41 +0000http://www.lionfight.com/?p=17776Jo Nattawut has heard what his upcoming opponent had to say. Without answering directly, one gets the sense that his response could be as simple as ‘Read my T-shirt.’

“I Will Smoke U” is the apparel that ‘Smokin’ Jo wears to the ring and he’ll sport the same plain black shirt with its simple yet poignant message when Nattawut takes on Hasan Toy at Lion Fight 33. The reigning two-division champion will be putting his super welterweight title on the line against his Dutch/Turkish foe on Friday, Nov. 18 at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut, and live on AXS TV Fights in the United States plus Fight Network throughout Canada, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.

Toy, a rising star who has already notched some impressive victories at just 22 years of age, claimed he’s smarter and faster than Nattawut. The Thai champ, who now fights out of Atlanta, Georgia, understatedly differs in thought.

“I will answer that November 18 in the ring,” said Nattawut. “I believe I am bigger and stronger and have better technique.”

Size and technique were the most obvious advantages that Nattawut showcased when he defeated Malaipet Sasiprapa at Lion Fight 32 to claim the middleweight title and become the first man to hold a pair of Lion Fight crowns at the same time. It was a particularly impressive outing by Nattawut as he accepted the opportunity on just three days’ notice yet looked like he’d been preparing for the matchup for months.

“I felt very tired during the fight because of the weight cut in such short time. I think if I had more energy I would have done much better, but I am very happy to be a two-division champion,” said Nattawut.

“I was excited when I heard about the opportunity (to fight Toy). Now, I am ready to defend my belt.”

Defeating a rival the caliber of Malaipet was also a hugely positive swing in momentum for Nattawut after he was felled in the fourth round for a knockout loss to Regian Eersel in a non-title bout at Lion Fight 29.

“For me that’s fighting,” added Nattawut. “Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. If something doesn’t go my way in a fight, I try to learn from my mistakes and move forward.”

Prior to his fights in higher weight classes against Eersel and Malaipet, Nattawut defended his super welterweight title at Lion Fight 28 with a clear-cut unanimous decision win over Cedric Manhoef. He previously captured wins inside the Lion Fight ring against the likes of Cosmo Alexandre, Salah Khalifa, and Charlie Peters.

If Nattawut can get past the up-and-comer Toy, he has laid out a future showdown against iconic striker Yodsanklai Fairtex. Should that fight come to be, there’s little doubt it would be the main event of what could turn out to be Lion Fight’s biggest card to date.

“I would love to fight Yodsanklai. He is one of my idols. But I will fight anyone to prove I am the best,” offered Nattawut.

The main event of Nattawut versus Toy tops the Lion Fight 33 card that features two other title bouts. In clash for the women’s lightweight belt, reigning champ Antonina Shevchenko takes on challenger Ilona Wijmans, and the vacant super middleweight title is at stake as Regian Eersel battles Jake Purdy.

Tickets for Lion Fight 33 are on sale now at www.foxwoods.com or by calling 800-200-2882 or by visiting the Foxwoods Box Offices.

The Lion Fight 33 main card will air live on AXS TV Fights with a special start time of 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT. with commentary from renowned duo “The Voice” Michael Schiavello and UFC Hall of Famer Pat Miletich.

]]>EERSEL AIMS TO BE ‘IMMORTAL’-IZED WITH LION FIGHT SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT TITLEhttp://www.lionfight.com/general-news/2016/11/eersel-aims-to-be-immortal-ized-with-lion-fight-super-middleweight-title/
Fri, 04 Nov 2016 14:00:58 +0000http://www.lionfight.com/?p=17769Regian Eersel made the world stand up and take notice in his Lion Fight debut.

Upon his return to the elite Muay Thai fighting organization at Lion Fight 33, “The Immortal” intends on claiming a world title.

Eersel will take on Jake Purdy for the super middleweight championship at Lion Fight 33 which goes down Friday, November 18 at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut, and live on AXS TV Fights in the United States and Fight Network throughout Canada, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.

The Dutch-Surinamese striker had a sparkling debut at Lion Fight 29 when he bullied Jo Nattawut around the ring until registering a highlight-reel finish with a head-kick knockout in the fourth round.

Coming back to the Lion Fight ring with that kind of performance already in his back pocket, there’s only one mission left to accomplish.

“The belt would mean everything to me,” said Eersel. “I know I am a champion so if I win the belt then it is written on paper that I am the champ.”

The victory over Nattawut was another in a long line of stylish verdicts that Eersel has put together, although it certainly was the one that captured the most international attention.

“I knew I could beat Nattawut so I’m not surprised like most people,” said Eersel after the victory.

Prior to his arrival under the Lion Fight banner, Eersel scored impressive knockout wins over the heavily-favored Khalid Bourdif (second-round TKO via doctor’s stoppage at a United Fight League event) and Wang Anying (second-round KO at the WLF World Championship).

A lanky 6-foot-2 frame has aided in Eersel’s ability to dominate opponents especially with devastating jumping knees which led to crushing finishes of Mohsin Droui and Randy Momoh.

Eersel, who followed up his successful Lion Fight debut with a third-round knockout win in Turkey, has started to study up on Purdy, the top-ranked super middleweight in England who is on a strong run of his own entering the title bout.

“He’s a good guy, strong with the elbows and the clinch, and he has a good reputation. It will be a great fight,” said Eersel.

The Eersel-Purdy showdown for the super middleweight title is one of three championship contests on the Lion Fight 33 card. In the other title matchups, reigning women’s lightweight champ Antonina Shevchenko takes on challenger Ilona Wijmans, and two-division titlist Jo Nattawut defends his super welterweight belt against Hasan Toy.

Tickets for Lion Fight 33 are on sale now at www.foxwoods.com or by calling 800-200-2882 or by visiting the Foxwoods Box Offices.

The Lion Fight 33 main card will air live on AXS TV Fights with a special start time of 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT. with commentary from renowned duo “The Voice” Michael Schiavello and UFC Hall of Famer Pat Miletich.

]]>PURDY PREPARED FOR TITLE SHOT AT LION FIGHT 33http://www.lionfight.com/general-news/2016/11/purdy-prepared-for-title-shot-at-lion-fight-33/
Wed, 02 Nov 2016 14:00:53 +0000http://www.lionfight.com/?p=17762Jake Purdy has found a very successful comfort zone fighting in his home country of England, but with a Lion Fight title shot at stake, the time was right to venture out.

Already one of the biggest names on European Muay Thai scene, Purdy has an opportunity to garner worldwide recognition when he takes on Regian Eersel for the Lion Fight super middleweight title at Lion Fight 33 taking place on Friday, Nov. 18 at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut. It is one of three title bouts that will air live on AXS TV Fights in the United States plus Fight Network throughout Canada, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.

Purdy steps in to replace Marley Zwanenberg who had been slated to face Eersel but was injured shortly after the original announcement of the Lion Fight 33 card.

Purdy (27-6-1) has not lost a fight within the United Kingdom in the past four years, and is ranked No. 1 in the UK having defeated his arch-rival Solomon Wickstead twice including a fourth-round TKO to claim the Yokkao title. He also bested Liam Barber by a first-round knockout to win the S1 Tournament crown, and topped Hamish Wiley to win the Golden Belt European championship.

Those accomplishments are certainly noteworthy and precisely what got him to this point but he’s now graduated to a whole new level of competition within the Lion Fight ring and especially against Eersel, who made a sensational organizational debut with a head-kick knockout of Jo Nattawut in a non-title bout at Lion Fight 29.

“Eersel is a good fighter. He is strong, big and tough and has good punching and kicking power so it’s going to be a big test for me, but I believe in myself and my ability,” said Purdy, who believes he’s got enough in his arsenal to derail the Eersel express headed for the title belt.

“I would say my strength is that I’m quite a well-rounded fighter. I can fights lots of different ways, but I most enjoy clinching and elbowing. As far as my advantages against Eersel, I don’t like to give too much away so you will have to wait and see on the night.”

The Dutch-Surinamese fighter definitely cuts an imposing figure in the ring. He used his notable size advantage to bully Nattawut and finally put the finishing touches on the bout with an explosive kick. Despite seeing the damage done, Purdy isn’t fazed by his opponent.

“To be honest,” said Purdy, “I never feel pressure. I am 100% confident in my ability to win fights and never feel pressure. I am very excited to come to America. I have nothing lose and everything to gain in my eyes.”

Purdy’s wins over Wickstead put him on the map in his home country. The first came at Yokkao 15 and wound up being a hotly contested decision and subsequently a rematch was ordered. Purdy finished off the second encounter with an elbow in the clinch, leaving no doubt this time around.

They were emotional wins for Purdy and taxing in both a physical and mental sense. While there is no inherent drama afoot in the upcoming clash with Eersel, the 22-year-old from Cullompton, England, is honed in on making the most of the situation that Lion Fight has presented to him.

“Every fight is different for me. Every fight I learn and adjust my camp to better myself for the next fight,” explained Purdy.

“With the Wickstead fights, it was fueled and aggravated by Wickstead’s disrespect. Things got nasty but I did all my talking in the ring and proved myself. This fight with Eersel will be different. I will be fighting for a world title, something I have worked my whole life for.

“It is a big opportunity and this is what will drive me. I am very focused and ready in every department for the challenge ahead of me.”

Purdy began his Muay Thai journey at the age of 15 and it has since consumed his entire life from a daily training regimen, teaching, and even as a part-time promoter.

“I wish I could say I have other interests, but to be honest, my whole life, I spend all of my time in the gym,” said Purdy, who lives at home with his parents, sister and girlfriend.

“I travel for an hour each day there and back to training which starts at 9 a.m. I train for an hour and a half each morning with my coach Sonny Perez. After I have trained, I then work most of the day doing private sessions with students, and then train again in the evening. Alongside personal training, I take the occasional class and I also am co-promoting my first Thai boxing show.

The super middleweight showdown bout between Purdy and Eersel is one of three championship contests on the Lion Fight 33 card. In the other title matchups, reigning women’s lightweight champ Antonina Shevchenko takes on challenger Ilona Wijmans, and Jo Nattawut defends his super welterweight belt against Hasan Toy.

Tickets for Lion Fight 33 are on sale now at www.foxwoods.com or by calling 800-200-2882 or by visiting the Foxwoods Box Offices.

The Lion Fight 33 main card will air live on AXS TV Fights with a special start time of 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT. with commentary from renowned duo “The Voice” Michael Schiavello and UFC Hall of Famer Pat Miletich.